UFC on Fox 27 results: Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza head kicks Brunson in the first!

Derek Brunson looked to wreak vengeance against Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza in the main event of UFC on Fox 27 tonight (Jan. 27, 2018) inside Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, live and free on big Fox. In their first bout, years ago in Strikeforce, Jacare countered an aggressive Brunson with his dynamite right hand, knocking the wrestler out cold. Coming off a loss to champion Robert Whittaker, the 38-year-old Jacare looked to show he is still a force at the top of the middleweight division.

Jacare was dancing and smiling on his walkout, keeping his shoulders loose and absorbing the good energy from the crowd. Brunson was calm, milling his hands as Bruce Buffer announced his name. They touched gloves respectfully.

Jacare took the center with that grounded stance of his. Brunson looked patient out of his southpaw stance. They each threw out cautious body kicks. Brunson exploded forward for a moment, looking for a hook-left straight combination. He feinted a kick and landed another straight through the upright guard of Jacare. Jacare looked to counter him with that right overhand on his next rush in. Brunson threw a one-two. Jacare leaned back to avoid a lead high kick and landed at the end of a long right hand. Brunson stuffed a hard takedown attempt with a violent whizzer, staying off his back. He stepped into a good combination, eating that right hand counter. They traded, and Jacare connected on a high kick! Brunson stumbled back to his hands and knees, and Jacare follows up with a flurry, pinning Brunson to the cage and unleashing punches until the referee stepped in! Amazing TKO win for Jacare! Brunson partially blocked the head kick, but it had enough force to send him flying across the cage.

Jacare says in the post-fight interview he was in the hospital four months ago, and also that today is his anniversary! He thanks his wife, and says he is very happy tonight.

Official result: Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza def. Derek Brunson via KO (head kick) at 3:50 of Round 1

For complete UFC on Fox 27 results, including play-by-play, click here